Knit & Knatter

Published Date 14/02/20 12:10

If you have always had a passion for knitting, or are a beginner and would like to see what it’s all about why not join our lovely knitting group every Monday morning at Darlington library. We meet from 10-12 and we promise to make you welcome.

We stopped by for a chat and asked what the group means to two of our knitters and why new members are always welcome to join.

What’s the best thing about knitting?

Its relaxing, it keeps you calm. I really get a sense of fulfilment when a garment is finished. I find it such a relaxing form of occupation.

What’s the funniest thing to happen in the group?

I would say generally we always have a laugh.

Probably when we tell each other funny stories and when one of us forgets our knitting!

What advice would you give to a first-time knitter?

I would say persevere, you will get it. Mistakes happen to the best of us, don’t worry.

What are you making at the moment and where do you get your ideas?

I’m making a crocheted throw, a fairisle jumper and an R2D2! I get my ideas from magazines and people at the group mainly. I am knitting for the Darlington memorial hospital baby shop.

Why should someone come along to join the knitting group?

We are a happy, friendly group and everyone is welcomed. It’s great fun, come along and meet us!

So what is knitting?

Knitting is the process of using two or more needles to loop yarn into a series of interconnected loops in order to create a finished garment or some other type of fabric. The word is derived from knot, thought to originate from the Dutch verb knutten, which is similar to the Old English cnyttan, “to knot”. Its origins lie in the basic human need for clothing for protection against the elements. The oldest knitted artefacts are socks from Egypt dating from the 11th century! More recently hand knitting has become less a necessary skill and more a hobby. We of course have lots of books on our shelves to help give you ideas or get you started.